Labubu was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung as part of his Monsters character series in 2015. He was inspired by Scandinavian folklore.

Other Monsters characters include Zimomo, Labubu's slightly larger, male and tailed doppelganger, and Tycoco, her love interest.

Labubu figurines are sold by Pop Mart, a brand known for its blind boxes. In June, a Singapore-exclusive Merlion Labubu keychain sold out quickly.

K-pop star Lisa and Singapore actress Jeanette Aw are among Labubu’s celebrity fans.

The People's Action Party branch Sengkang West has its own Labubu mascot, complete with white party regalia.

Labubu has hot competition in the “adorable toy” space, such as the Japanese Chiikawa trio.